The theme of this week’s Friday Five appears to be German automakers, from BMW to Mercedes announcing news ahead of next week’s Beijing Motor Show.

While Beijing isn’t a very big show for us Americans, it does give us a glimpse at some cars that may or may not come to the States (or inspire upcoming U.S.-spec cars).

As far as that auto show is concerned, BMW will replace the M2 with a new M2 Competition, featuring the same engine found in the M3, and Mercedes will reveal its first-ever Maybach SUV (whose photos were leaked this week as well).

As a palate cleanser, we’ll take a ride in the new redesigned 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, now larger and more tech-savvy for 2019.

Those stories and much more are ahead in this week’s edition of the Friday Five.

BMW reveals 2019 M2 Competition

The newly redesigned front end of the 2019 BMW M2 Competition is enhanced for optimal airflow and general function.

(BMW)

BMW knows that crossovers help keep the lights on, but those SUVs also help the Bavarian luxury brand build fun-to-drive, raucous sports coupes like the M2.

For 2019 however, the M2 Coupe is gone. In its place will be the new 2019 M2 Competition, and even more powerful version of the already peppy compact sports coupe.

With the same engine found in the M3 and M4, the M2 now puts out 405 horsepower and 406 lb.-ft. of torque, up from the previous M2’s 365-horsepower, 343 lb.-ft. of torque unit. Standard 6-speed manual shifts the gears as the automotive gods intended, but a DCT is also available should you not be in the mood to row yourself.

Mercedes-Benz reveals ‘Mercedes Connect’ subscription service

Under the hood of the new 2017 GLE43 is an AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine, boasting 362 horsepower and 384 lb.-ft. of torque.

(Mercedes-Benz)

Car ownership is changing, whether we’re ready for it or not. Instead of buying a car, paying it off for 5, 6 or even dare I say, 7 years, you get the title and congratulations, you own a vehicle outright.

That’s fine and dandy for some people, but for others, car ownership doesn’t prove to be a worthwhile endeavor. After paying for a car for half a decade (or more), cars start to require more costly maintenance and with the value of the car depreciating after every year and every mile, it can become a money vacuum.

Some automakers, in an attempt to keep customers who may be ownership-averse, are introducing subscription-based car ownership services. Cadillac, Porsche, Volvo and others have already launched pilot programs of the service, but now Mercedes is the latest to jump into the fray.

With a flat monthly rate, customers will get unlimited access to a brand new vehicle, with the freedom to swap it out with a different car whenever they choose. Maintenance, fees, insurance, registration and everything under the sun is covered under the flat monthly fee. Mercedes will launch its pilot program in Nashville and Philadelphia to entice some younger, affluent buyers who may want more options and a fresh set of wheels whenever they want.

Volkswagen to install EV chargers at more than 100 Walmart locations

Volkswagen's Electrify America subsidiary teamed up with Walmart to bring fast-charging stations to more than 100 Walmart stores in 34 states across the country, with no more than 120 miles between stations and an average distance of 70 miles for greater charging convenience.

(LightRocket via Getty Images)

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past three years, Volkswagen got caught with some dirty diesel engines, and while the fines and fees have soared, the German brand is still required to invest in EV infrastructure in the U.S. as reparations.

In a new partnership with Walmart, Volkswagen’s EV-oriented subsidiary, Electrify America, will install multiple EV chargers at more than 100 Walmart stores across 34 states.

The DC fast charging stations can juice up a car to the tune of 20 miles per minute, so EV owners can plug in and go shop and return to their car with a freshly recharged car. And owners can even check the status of their car’s charging via the Electrify America app on their smartphone while they’re in the store for added convenience.

Deal Hunters: Best SUV deals in April list

2018 Honda HR-V

(Honda)

If you’re in the market for an SUV, or any new car for that matter really, you should get yourself familiar with “day’s supply.” Day’s supply is the number of days it takes to sell a vehicle on a dealership lot, based on the previous month’s daily sales rate.

Every vehicle sitting on a dealership lot takes up space and money, meaning some cars take up more time and space than they’re worth, so dealers are more anxious to get them sold off the lot to make room for more vehicles.

So with that in mind, we dig into the SUVs that have been sitting on dealership lots too long for the salespeople’s liking. This is good news for you because this might be your best chance to snag a great deal on a new SUV or crossover.

First Drive: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

Less squared off and more coupe-like, the 2019 Jetta joins the trend to put some excitement in sedans, a segment that’s lost a lot of buyers to SUVs and crossovers as of late.

(Ron Sessions)

When Volkswagen first introduced the Jetta way back in 1979, it was seen as the bargain choice for those who wanted German refinement, but couldn’t afford the luxury price tag associated with more premium brands.

More recently, the Jetta has struggled against a class dominated by newer, fresher, more tech-savvy offerings that combine impressive driving dynamics and incredible value. Thus, Jettas collected dust on dealership lots nationwide.

Now for 2019, the Jetta gets a new lease on life, with more Audi-like styling and technology. Growing larger, and more affordable, the only thing that stays behind from the previous generation is the engine.

Daily News Autos contributing writer Ron Sessions took the wheel of a brand new Jetta to find out whether the Jetta’s new sheetmetal and lower price tag make up for its driving dynamics.